With two-thirds of teachers saying that they’ve reached’ breaking point’. 61% of teachers believed that a 4-day school week would improve their teaching. To deal with their astronomical energy costs, schools are apparently considering switching to three- or four-day work weeks. As finances are put under more stress, headteachers are currently looking for methods to cut costs. Inflation in schools is extremely high and may reach 15% next year.

The debate over the optimal school week structure has been ongoing for years, with many educational institutions experimenting with different schedules to maximize learning outcomes and student well-being. One alternative gaining increasing attention is the four-day school week. Instead of the traditional five days, this schedule condenses instructional time into four longer days, giving students a three-day weekend. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and school boards are finding ways to cut costs as inflation hits. The United Kingdom and parts of the United States are looking at adapting a four-day work / school week as a result. 

Should Canada soon follow behind? How could a four-day work week benefit all?

1. Improved School Attendance

One of the primary benefits of a four-day school week is the potential for improved student attendance. With a three-day weekend, students have more time for rest, recuperation, and extracurricular activities. This can lead to fewer absences due to illness and fatigue, resulting in better attendance rates and a more engaged student body. When students are in school, they have more time to learn and interact with teachers and peers. 

2. Enhanced Teacher Retention

A compressed school week can lead to improved teacher satisfaction and retention. Longer weekends can offer educators the opportunity to recharge, prepare lessons, and spend quality time with their families. This improved work-life balance can help attract and retain talented teachers, resulting in more experienced and motivated educators in the classroom.

3. Reducing Costs

School districts can experience financial benefits from a four-day school week. Fewer school days mean less energy consumption, transportation costs, and overall operational expenses. These savings can be redirected toward educational resources, teacher salaries, or extracurricular programs, ultimately benefiting students and teachers.

4. Reduced stress, better mental health

A compressed school week can lead to improved teacher satisfaction and retention. Longer weekends can offer educators the opportunity to recharge, prepare lessons, and spend quality time with their families. This improved work-life balance can help attract and retain talented teachers, resulting in more experienced and motivated educators in the classroom.

5. Better academic performance

Despite concerns about losing instructional time, research has shown that a four-day school week can lead to better academic performance. Longer school days can allow for more focused instruction, reducing the time wasted on transitions and administrative tasks. In addition, students who are less stressed and more engaged in their learning tend to perform better in school.

6. Increased family time

One of the most significant advantages of a four-day school week is the increased family time it allows. With an extra day off, parents can spend more quality time with their children. This not only strengthens family bonds but can also lead to improved support for a child's educational journey.

7. Environmental Benefits

Reducing the number of school days has environmental benefits. Fewer school days mean less energy consumption, reduced carbon emissions from school buses, and less wear and tear on facilities. This can contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable approach to education.